White Moonstone
Meaning and Properties
History
Named for its sheen, moonstone is the most well-known gemstone of the feldspar group. Beneath the soft shimmering surface of moonstone surges a deeper, lovelier beauty: a white "moon" that rolls over the stone when it rotates. The scientific term for the kind of shimmer--a moving floating light or sheen--that gives this stone its magical look is schiller or adularescence. The Romans thought moonstone was actually formed out of solidified moonlight. However, the shimmer comes from two types of feldspar growing into or weaving through each other as the crystal forms.
Metaphysical Properties
Moonstone, by its very name, has been connected to the moon and to the subconscious and unconscious. Wherever we go on Earth, the moon is with us, no matter where or how far our journey takes us--which is why it was a popular stone for protecting travelers. Moonstone is also believed to encourage lucid dreaming and promote emotional openness to new experience. This openness is part of how moonstone is thought to relieve stress--by calming the mind and soothing the spirit. Gem therapists and Ayurvedic doctors even use a specific form of moonstone (called godanti) to cure anxiety and strengthen the will.
White moonstone is affiliated with the crown chakra for spiritual or psychic experiences. Women are sometimes recommended to remove moonstone during the full moon.
This gem is an alternate birthstone for June, popular with Geminis and Cancers. It is considered a birthstone for June in Tibetan lore and for September in Ayurvedic healing. See ''12 and 12 More: Alternate Choices for Birthstones'' for details.
Geological Properties
Moonstone is fairly abundant, making it an inexpensive gemstone. While its color can be similar to other stones, the distinctive shimmer makes it difficult to confuse with other materials. Moonstone faded from popularity as a jewelry-making material for centuries, before being revived by the Art Nouveau movement and, in particular, by jeweler and goldsmith René Lalique. It has retained its popularity ever since.
Like the moon, this gemstone is found all over the world--from Sri Lanka, to Australia, India, Tanzania, the United States, and countries between.
Moonstone was designated as the state gemstone of Florida in 1970, to commemorate the Apollo moon landings which took off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. However, there are no deposits within state borders.
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Proper Care of White Moonstone
Moonstone has a relatively low hardness, making it prone to stress cracking and cleaving. For those reasons, recommended use of moonstone is necklaces, pendants, earrings and other jewelry not likely to be bumped or scratched during wear. White moonstone cabochons are also popular in rings, though care must be taken to keep from damaging the stone.
To learn more about White Moonstone and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Designing with White Moonstone
Beneath the soft shimmering surface of moonstone surges a deeper, lovelier beauty. In moonstone cabochons, that beauty is a white "moon" that rolls over the stone when it rotates. This subtle stone can be overwhelmed by patterned or faceted materials, so elegant simplicity of design is recommended: white moonstone is most commonly paired with silver (for good reason). It also looks stunning in contrast to black onyx and in harmony with pale blues such as aquamarine, blue lace agate and angelite.
View more resources featuring white moonstone, including Design Ideas, Videos, Tutorials and more!
Shop for White Moonstone
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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